This photo from 2002 shows a hillside that overlooks the intersection of U.S. Route 24 and Illinois Route 116 in Tazewell County often is a forum for a variety of messages, most put up by teenagers in the community. (LESLIE RENKEN/JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO)

EAST PEORIA — The area’s most noticeable billboard is made of grass.

Northeast of the McClugage Bridge, a wide hill rises up the bluff wedged between U.S. Route 24 and Illinois Route 116. For decades, that green background has hosted messages scrawled in white, often with toilet paper or plastic garbage bags.

Some last for weeks, others only hours, washed away by rain. The brief bulletins tend toward the innocuous, devoid of vulgarities. Still, many messages remain mysterious, their full meaning known only by the sender.

Passers-by, with just a few moments’ glimpse, try to decode the intent. Some declarations are simple, perhaps a set of initials set below, “I LOVE.” Other times, the message might be just a pair of initials within a heart: That could signify romantic love or hark to the loss of someone.

Access is difficult, involving a steep uphill climb from the roadside. This is the handiwork of young people.

For years, the 80-acre parcel has been for sale, as noted by a sign near the top. The land is mostly zoned agricultural, with seven flat acres at the top zoned for residential or commercial development. The asking price: $600,000, or $1 million less than in 2009.

Journal Star staff

2 Comments

I always thought it was state road property. they have been putting them up as long as I can remember I always thought it was state land. well if some one built up there and it slide and he got it because of this article. if the hill slides can they include you in the lawsuit ???